Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently succeeded his father as Iran's Supreme Leader, has been notably absent from public life, which US officials believe is delaying peace negotiations with the United States. His lack of visibility raises concerns about the clarity and unity of the Iranian leadership regarding critical decisions, particularly about Iran's nuclear program, where the country currently possesses 440 kilograms of enriched uranium. This stockpile is just shy of the threshold needed to develop nuclear weapons, complicating discussions. Analysts suggest that Khamenei's absence serves as a protective measure for Iranian negotiators against internal criticism, as they navigate a complex political landscape. While Khamenei has communicated through AI-generated videos and statements read on national television, his lack of direct involvement contrasts sharply with his father's more visible leadership style. Despite these hurdles, there is still hope for a return to negotiations, though the timeline remains uncertain.